Veterans Upward Bound Program
Veterans who work with VUB do not need to apply to and attend Suffolk University – program staff help area veterans attend the institution of their choice.
Veterans Upward Bound Application
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Our program is sponsored through the U.S. Department of Education, so our services are provided free of charge for qualifying veterans. We are proud to offer the following services.
Academic Preparation Classes
- Test Preparation Courses (SAT/ACT/Accuplacer)
- Introduction to College-level Coursework – See descriptions below in Academics
- Tutoring (In-Person at Suffolk and Online via NetTutor)
- Study & Test Taking Skills
College & Career Advising
- College Exploration & Selection
- Application and Common App Assistance
- Assistance with college transcripts and JST (Joint Service Transcript)
College Financial Planning
- Post 9/11 & MGIB Benefits Counseling
- VR&E Benefits Counseling
- FAFSA Assistance & Support
- Mass Reconnect Assistance
Other VUB Services
- Financial Literacy Services (Budgeting, Credit Building, Debt Repayment, etc…)
- Career Exploration & Degree Program Comparison
- Resume Assistance
- Employment, Housing, & Other Vet Resources Referrals
Requirements
Eligible Veterans have any discharge that is other than Dishonorable, do not yet have a Bachelor’s Degrees, and must be either one or a combination of the following:
- Low-income based on family size,
- A potential First-Generation College Student,
- Be an individual with a disability as defined by the ADA (recognized by the VA or otherwise),
- Been out of school for more than five years, or
- Tests low on a standardized test
If a Veteran does not meet the above criteria, they are encouraged to reach out to VUB staff at [email protected] as we may still be able to serve them.
Academics
Veterans Upward Bound is committed to preparing its students for success in post-secondary education. The majority of post-secondary institutions require incoming students to take an assessment exam in order to place these students into the appropriate level of classes. To help students get prepared to take these assessments, we have created an academic program to ensure VUB students perform to the highest of their abilities, using the software Comfit and Net Tutor from Link-Systems, in addition to Open Source Curriculum.
Our self-paced courses are designed with the convenience of veterans in mind. Courses include a pre-assessment, targeted learning modules, and a post-test, all within a single platform. Using advanced algorithms, the program tailors a personalized course plan based on the pre-assessment results, offering instant feedback. Veterans receive focused support in subjects such as math through pre-calculus, reading, writing, composition, literature, and sciences, ensuring they are well-prepared for enrollment at the institution of their choice. Free tutoring is also built directly into the course.
Open Source Curriculum
Open Source Curriculum (OSC) is an online instructional resource that can be freely used, distributed and modified.
Staff has been intentional about designing curriculum to provide access to coursework from a distance, for those who would otherwise not be able to attend.
| Course Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics |
Our Math courses are designed to efficiently prepare veterans for pre-enrollment standardized exams and college-level coursework. Using a targeted assessment, learning, and practice approach, COMFIT creates personalized courses tailored to each individual veteran's current skill level. This ensures they only focus on areas needing improvement, avoiding unnecessary review of familiar material. Courses cover a comprehensive range of math topics from basic arithmetic through Pre-Calculus, including Geometry, Algebra I & II, and Trigonometry. This customized support allows veterans to address mathematical deficiencies prior to enrollment, providing a solid foundation for academic success. Self-paced online modules, targeted practice, and supplemental materials are provided to reinforce learning and enhance competencies. |
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| Reading & Writing |
Our Reading and Writing courses are crafted to effectively prepare veterans for pre-enrollment standardized exams and college-level demands. Using COMFIT’s assessment, learning, and testing approach, customized courses are generated to directly target each veteran’s specific skill gaps. This method ensures that time is spent efficiently, focusing only on areas needing improvement. Courses include targeted modules in reading comprehension, composition, literature, and academic writing. With personalized, self-paced online supports and practice materials, veterans can address deficiencies and build a strong foundation in reading and writing skills before enrollment. |
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| Lab Sciences |
Our Lab Science course is designed to equip veterans with the foundational knowledge needed for college-level biology classes. We utilize MIT OpenCourseWare's "Getting Up to Speed in Biology," a self-paced course crafted to prepare students for introductory biology. This comprehensive program includes lecture videos, interactive exercises, problem sets, and exams. Topics covered include Molecules of Life, The Cell and How it Works, Information Transfer in Biology, Inheritance and Genetics, and Building with DNA. To enhance the learning experience, we have partnered with Carolina Labs to provide lab kits that can be used either on campus or at home. These kits include all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and are designed for safe use, allowing veterans to gain practical, hands-on experience in lab work before enrolling in college. |
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| Foreign Language |
We partner with Transparent Language to provide high quality language learning instruction, accessible online and through mobile device applications (Phone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, and ANDROID™). Transparent Language is a leading provider of best-practice language learning software for consumers, government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses. More than 12,000 schools and universities, as well as top government language schools, such as the Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute use our products. |
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